NCCE Session Preview: Tech-Savvy Teacher Jason on Digital Distraction

I must apologize if you received the notification of this blog post via a Tweet or email, since according to researchers at University of California Irvine, it will take you an average of nearly 24 minutes to get back to your tasks at hand.

I have been concerned about this topic since the first time I experimented with allowing cell phones in my own high school and college classrooms. There is no doubt that our smart phones (and tablets and laptops) are incredible tools for learning and connecting, but, what unwanted guests are hiding beneath those beautiful, glowing screens?

Of course, there is a heated debate on this topic. We as adults may struggle with this, but, our digital natives have this covered, right? (Let’s ignore the fact that I don’t believe in the digital native/digital immigrant dichotomy.) Growing voices suggest that this is a problem for all of us!

I will tackle this issue in Seattle. What does the research suggest? How is it impacting adults? What should we be telling kids? Let’s start working on this problem together! Your modeling and zen-like expertise can help all learners in our care think more honestly about these wondrous technologies.

Author

Jason is a NCCE Tech-Savvy Teacher in Residence at blogs regularly at the NCCE blog.
Jason is the first curriculum director of the Montana Digital Academy, Montana's state virtual school. Since MTDA's start in 2010, he has lead a team of over 100 teachers delivering over 100 course titles to tens of thousands students across the State of Montana. Before working with MTDA, Jason was a veteran classroom teacher with experience in two large high schools building diverse, successful programs in social studies, debate, speech, newspaper production and computer science. Jason is a leader in educational technology integration and popular speaker and trainer with experience working with thousands of teachers from all levels to improve their tech-savvy teaching. A doctoral candidate at the University of Montana, Jason is studying open education resources, online learning and the impact of internet filtering on classroom technology integration. Jason has been honored as a Distinguished Educator, Most Inspirational Teacher, Outstanding Teacher and winner of the ISTE “Making IT Happen” award.

19 hours agoby ncce_edtechWe're still deep in thought about all of the amazing presentations, conversations, and connections from #NCCE19 , even three weeks later! What is on your mind from your NCCE experience?

1 month agoby ncce_edtechEnthusiastic educators mean enthusiastic students... and schools! To find out more about bringing energy and engagement using technology to your classroom, seek out Noreen Dooley, NCCE Professional Learning Specialist, at #TECA19 this week in San Antonio! #iamncce#nccechat#enthusiasticteachers